The regulation of stem cell research in Ireland: From the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction to the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Staunton, Ciara
• Is Part Of: Medical law international. Volume 18:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Ireland -- legislation -- embryo -- embryonic stem cell research -- ethics; Medical laws and legislation -- Periodicals; Legislation, Medical -- Periodicals; 344.041
• DOI: 10.1177/0968533218764543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-5332

Abstract

In 2005, Ireland's Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (CAHR) published a comprehensive report on the regulation of assisted reproduction and associated technologies. Yet since that report, successive Irish governments have failed to bring forth any legislation on this matter. This legislative inaction has resulted in a situation whereby the embryo in vivo has the right to life under the Irish Constitution, but embryos in vitro have no protection in law. Irish policymakers have also endorsed and funded embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) at a European level but continue to prevent researchers in Ireland from accessing any public funds for this research. The publication in October 2017 of the General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017 is thus a welcome development. However, further reading of the Bill reveals that it is restrictive in nature and is likely to stifle research in Ireland. This article will discuss the legal, ethical and scientific developments that have occurred since the CAHR report and the impact, if any, they have had on the development of this Bill. It will critically reflect on provisions of the Bill as they relate to ESCR and make a number of suggestions for reform.